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Original poster

Help me create a pretty new life!

27 replies

Alcemeg · 07/02/2022 20:38

I’m about to move back to the UK to look after my parents, who are elderly and sick. My husband is staying at home [in another European country] to look after things here. We’ll really miss each other etc etc bla bla bla… BUT! He can see a little gleam of excitement in my eye at the prospect of living independently for the first time in years.

I must admit, it could be fun! I’ll be renting a little place on my own. And this is how shallow I am: I’m sort of gloating at the prospect of having a girly palace again, with no blokey things in it.

So, I am just wondering: if you had a budget of (say) £250, what would be the top 5 things (or fewer, or more, depending on your income bracket) you’d splash out on to make a rented place look pretty and homely? I’m thinking duvet covers, etc… and things that you can actually buy NOW since I will be there soon!

Stuff to cheer the place up, since it’s not going to be a barrel of laughs generally over the coming months.

All suggestions appreciated!

OP posts:
Leighcloon · 07/02/2022 20:41

Well, what kind of place are you renting? Apartment, house?

BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation · 07/02/2022 20:42

I like colourful rugs, wall hangings and pictures. Lamps add cosiness.

LoopyDream · 07/02/2022 20:46

An essential oil diffuser. You can get pretty light up ones and I have them in multiple rooms now.

I love pink throws too.

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Home improvement
VanLife · 07/02/2022 20:48

Cushions, throws, candles, something to hang on the wall, a plant, lamps, rugs, your favourite picture in a frame,

Thumbcat · 07/02/2022 20:49

Fairy lights, candles, a comfy blanket to snuggle under, nice wine glasses and a plant

LemonDrizzles · 07/02/2022 20:50

A really nice mug that you really like the look of

Original poster
Alcemeg · 07/02/2022 20:52

I'lll be renting a tiny little one-bedroom house.

Sorry, I should have been more specific: please recommend ACTUAL ITEMS -- not just generic ideas... e.g. I had a look at IKEA duvet covers, and they're really not all that interesting at the moment! Somewhere out there must be the most gorgeous duvet cover ever invented, but I need help locating it 😍

OP posts:
floofycroissant · 07/02/2022 20:56

Depends on your personal taste but I think Dunelm and Habitat bedding can be quite nice and very good value for money.

Original poster
Alcemeg · 07/02/2022 20:59

@LemonDrizzles

A really nice mug that you really like the look of
oooh, I already have that! it's got chips in it but I love it and will take it with me... in my fantasy world, there are all sorts of things that go with this...
Help me create a pretty new life!
OP posts:
AppleButter · 07/02/2022 21:02

I dream of nice bedcovers in a liberty print (from Cyrillus in France) and everything from Rowan & Wren. Especially their dove-grey Welsh blankets.

FabriqueBelgique · 07/02/2022 21:06

Ooh exciting! Look at “room tours” on YouTube for inspiration. They always make me miss the aesthetics of my single lady days.

Original poster
Alcemeg · 07/02/2022 22:07

@floofycroissant

Depends on your personal taste but I think Dunelm and Habitat bedding can be quite nice and very good value for money.
oooh!!! I never knew about Dunelm. Loads of pretty things! Apparently I am modelling myself on Holly Willoughby...
Help me create a pretty new life!
Help me create a pretty new life!
Help me create a pretty new life!
OP posts:
Original poster
Alcemeg · 07/02/2022 22:23

@AppleButter

I dream of nice bedcovers in a liberty print (from Cyrillus in France) and everything from Rowan & Wren. Especially their dove-grey Welsh blankets.
Oohhhh, I see what you mean! Very lovely...

They're very tasteful and muted, which I would absolutely LOVE in yet another parallel life. For this particular alternative world, though, I've got my heart set on pretty pastels and flowers and birds...!

OP posts:
Xiaoxiong · 07/02/2022 22:28

I know it's not an aesthetic choice but I would say a plug-in electric blanket - when DH isn't here it makes going to bed, snuggling on the sofa, etc so much more enjoyable. I have one that looks like a faux mink throw.

If you like baths and your little place has one, some really nice bubble bath, an over the bath tray, a cover for the overflow outlet, and a neck pillow that suctions to the end of the bath will make baths so much more enjoyable.

Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 13:44

@NoHeavenNoMore

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/bedroom/the-chateau-by-angel-strawbridge-potagerie-bedding-set

www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/the-chateau-by-angel-strawbridge-heron-in-the-moat-cushion-navy-45x45

www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/essential-oil-aroma-diffusers-321711

And a subscription to Freddie's Flowers 😊

Thank you! I think my heart is already taken by (allegedly, going by the name of the range) Holly's personal tastes in duvet covers, but that oil diffuser looks pretty amazing. Have you tried and tested it?
OP posts:
Cheekypeach · 08/02/2022 13:51

I would be excited too! I would buy:

  1. A couple of nice wax burners and lovely smelling wax melts
  2. A nice throw for the sofa - fur, knitted, whatever you like the look of
  3. Some nice photo frames for pics of you and hubby
  4. Some nice cushions for the bed
  5. A big indoor plant

Enjoy the new pad!

SallyWD · 08/02/2022 13:53

I love lamps, cushions and throws to make a place homely and cosy. Also nice pictures on the wall.

Ghastlyghoul · 08/02/2022 13:59

Could you describe the sort of styles you are drawn to? For instance minimalist, bohemian, country/rustic etc? Once you can vaguely classify it I’d recommend Pinterest search on ideas for whatever look it is you like - ie modern country style living room ideas, minimalist bedroom ideas.

I love Dunelm as they have a huge selection to suit different tastes. TK Maxx for candles, diffusers, picture frames, throws and cushions - also loads of choice and good prices.

Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 14:00

@Xiaoxiong

I know it's not an aesthetic choice but I would say a plug-in electric blanket - when DH isn't here it makes going to bed, snuggling on the sofa, etc so much more enjoyable. I have one that looks like a faux mink throw.

If you like baths and your little place has one, some really nice bubble bath, an over the bath tray, a cover for the overflow outlet, and a neck pillow that suctions to the end of the bath will make baths so much more enjoyable.

Good idea! although, not sure I will ever want to get out of the bath!
OP posts:
Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 14:01

@Ghastlyghoul

Could you describe the sort of styles you are drawn to? For instance minimalist, bohemian, country/rustic etc? Once you can vaguely classify it I’d recommend Pinterest search on ideas for whatever look it is you like - ie modern country style living room ideas, minimalist bedroom ideas.

I love Dunelm as they have a huge selection to suit different tastes. TK Maxx for candles, diffusers, picture frames, throws and cushions - also loads of choice and good prices.

Pinterest is a great idea, thank you!

Hopefully the pix I've posted give an idea of what I have in mind, but I'm not sure what you call it.

Dunelm is brilliant!!! I've lived outside the UK for so long that I have no idea where to shop for this sort of stuff. Sorted 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 14:02

@FabriqueBelgique

Ooh exciting! Look at “room tours” on YouTube for inspiration. They always make me miss the aesthetics of my single lady days.
I've saved this for later. I might never get off YouTube 😋
OP posts:
Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 14:03

Thanks everyone, brilliant suggestions 😍

OP posts:
Original poster
Alcemeg · 08/02/2022 14:46

@tabletopgreen

Salt lamp? Ds has got one and it makes the room cosy and dry. Not that pretty to look at tho.

Got ours from Amazon -

]]

Oh yes, what a great idea! I used to have one in the UK. You have to be careful in a moist atmosphere because they can absorb water and the salt "melts" and can corrode paintwork. But they do cast a lovely glow. Thank you very much for the reminder!
OP posts: